Reviews
Best little festival on the scene - July 2005
From its first few unsteady steps 18 years ago, Cleckheaton Folk Festival now walks tall in the world of folk music.
Like proud parents, organisers watched their 'baby' celebrate its coming of age this weekend - and everyone was invited to the party.
Folkies from up and down the country swamped the town from Friday to Sunday to see some of the finest acts on the music scene at venues across Cleckheaton. And on Saturday the whole town came alive with the festival parade, street entertainment, dancers and fun for all the family.
Morris dancers, jugglers, balloon modellers and stilt walkers were in abundance, and the Leeside School drummers and the Funky Folk from Fairfield School added a local flavour.
A feast of dance acts entertained the crowds - one even finding its way to neighbouring Heckmondwike - and a Punch and Judy show found a captive audience with the kids.
The craft fair at St John's community hall proved as popular as ever, and trade was brisk at the farmers' market.
Pubs hosted singarounds, dance competitions and workshops throughout the weekend and a festival service was held on Sunday at the Central Methodist Church.
Festival director Geoff Pickles said this year's event had been fantastic. "The town was vibrant for the whole weekend" he said. "Overall it was a great success and I think we did the town proud."
He said he was greatful to the festival sponsors - the Guardian and Herald - and also to Kirklees Council, Spenborough Chamber of Trade, local businesses, councillors and residents who had supported the event in lots of ways.
"We are now world recognised" he said. "We have come of age in more ways than one. We have now stepped up into the first division of festivals; people are saying ours is the best little festival on the scene and pound for pound, there is nowhere else where you can get the value that you do in Cleckheaton."
For Geoff and his fellow organisers though, there is no time to catch breath as they have already started the task of fundraising for next years's event.
"We work hard all year round to make sure the festival is possible, so if anyone wants to offer sponsorship or help we would like to hear from them" he said.
Anyone wanting to help can contact him on (01924) 404346 or through info@cleckheatonfolkfestival.org
Margaret Heward - July 2005